I am once again honored to present to you the annual report for the Virginia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC). In this report, you will find vital information and resources on the current status of vocational rehabilitation services offered within the commonwealth and on the FFY 2023 performance of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), which includes the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC). As a council, we were able to tour the WWRC facility in November 2023, and had the opportunity to see firsthand the operations from both a student and an administrative perspective.

This year’s theme is “The Sky is the Limit." This report highlights the achievements of persons with disabilities, employers of persons with disabilities in the vocational rehabilitation program, and the limitless possibilities for employment, independence and success of persons with disabilities.

Last year I served my first full term as elected chairperson, and I was honored to be re-elected to the role again this year. During the past year, I gained a more robust understanding of the responsibilities of the council and agency, due in large part to the continued support I have received from my fellow council members and our DARS support staff. I would personally like to thank them for the continued success of the Virginia State Rehabilitation Council.

The SRC is always engaged in recruitment for any interested individuals who meet the criteria for appointment. In particular, the experiences of current and former vocational rehabilitation clients, such as myself, are an invaluable asset to the council’s advisory role to Virginia DARS. We ask that you share this report with your professional and personal networks.

Optimizing DARS’ presence and visibility in Virginia helps the agency to successfully engage and serve individuals with disabilities and employers, thereby assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve employment outcomes in high-demand and rewarding careers in the competitive labor market.

Let’s turn disabilities into abilities!

Justin M. Spurlock
SRC Chairperson